The author of this cozy mystery knows her antiques, which adds to the pleasure of reading this title. Here is a British mystery in which readers follow clues along with Freya and her aunt Carole.
They both knew an antiques dealer named Arthur. When he dies in a fall, it seems pretty clear that there is foul play. They will try their best to find out what happened.
Their detection leads them to a manor house with many antiques. Readers will want to find out more about them.
At the same time, Freya has past history with Arthur. Readers will be curious to find out what went wrong between them and if that played into the current events of the story.
Anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery will hope that this is just the author’s first book. Will another come soon?
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
There is no doubt that Kristin Hannah knows how to write about war. Her novel, The NIghtingale, has been wildly popular. I enjoyed Winter Garden, another story set in a difficult war time, even more. So, no surprisse that this latest book is an excellent one.
Here Hannah turns her eye to the Vietnam War era. Interestingly, this time period echoes loudly to today when the U.S. is once again experiencing much division, posturing and an inability for people to listen to one another.
Hannah tells her story thorough Frances Grace (Frankie) McGrath. She is the daughter in a family that venerates men and the bravery of the military. While Frankie is expected to be a “good girl” and to marry, the expectations are higher for her brother.
Readers learn early on that Frankie’s brother died in Vietnam. Following his death, Frankie, who is a trained nurse, wants to make a difference. She somewhat naively works her way through the military branches until the army accepts her and sends her to Vietnam.
Hannah does an outstanding job of bringing the country to life. Readers will feel the scorching heat and drenching rains. They will find that their heart rate rises at the sound of VC attacks. The scent of blood, the anxiety of being an inexperienced medical provider, the hooch, the officer’s club-all of these and more feel so real.
Frankie does not live in a vacuum. She becomes very close to two other nurses. She also is attracted to Jamie, a surgeon. These characters and many others become known to the reader.
Readers are aware that there were many who protested the war. What happens to Frankie when she returns from the war zone after her service? Slight spoiler…it will not be easy.
Here is a compelling read. I found Hannah’s last few books to be good but I think that this one is so much better. The Women is not an easy read but it will sear itself into its audience’s heart and mind.
I wish that this book had been given a more distinctive title, not because it isn’t apt but because I think that, it could easily come out lower in any kind of search engine request than it should. It is a book that cries out to be read.
It is probably clear by now that I give this novel five stars.
Note: I alternated between listening to the book and reading it, one of my favorite ways to stay connected with a story as I go for a walk. The narration is superb. Whelan gets the tone and emotion of the story just right.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for this title. All opinions are my own.
Ever since Daphne DuMaurier wrote Rebecca, readers have enjoyed stories set in atmospheric mansions and their environs. That is the case here in a story that takes place in North Carolina. The mansion was the home of an extremely rich woman whose first name was Ruby.
Ruby had quite a history. When she was young, Ruby got lost in the woods and was taken by a family who had lost their own child. Her wealthy parents searched for her and eventually Ruby made it home. Were the events really as described? Readers may wonder as they turn the pages.
Ruby went on to marry four times. All of Ruby’s husbands seem to have come to bad ends. Was Ruby responsible?
Ruby adopted a child. Why did she adopt Cam? Are there any secrets here? Again, readers will wonder as they turn the pages.
Around Ruby and Cam there are many other characters. These include Ruby’s jealous sister, with whom she never got along, and her sister‘s children, among others. All have their parts to play.
For his part, Cam wanted a normal life, even though he could live the life of a very rich person. Instead, Cam isan English teacher who lives in Colorado with his wife, Jools. When Cam and Jools decide to go to North Carolina, events are set in motion.
I enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful and engaging. I liked how the narrative took different forms, including letters, newspaper reports, etc.
Those looking for a page turning read, look no further. The Heiress will entertain you.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Looking at this title left me with a deep appreciation for the National Parks system. Here is a delightful resource for anyone with plans to visit any of the parks.
An incredible amount of information is packed into this small book. In addition, there are prompts so that travelers can record their impressions and experiences in the parks that they visit.
Be sure to look at the travel tips. They are quite helpful as are the bucket list suggestions.
This title is organized by region. For each each park, there is a good amount to discover.
This journal is beautifully illustrated throughout. it would make a perfect gift for anybody with travel plans. Give this book to a child or teen and they will make use of it for many years.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Can a recipe with 400 calories be easy, tasty and satisfying? Find out for yourself by looking at the ideas in this book.
There are suggestions for breakfast, lunch and dinner that offer a good amount of variety. You might want to start the day with an asparagus omelette and a citrus salad, for example. Lunch could be shrimp Remoulade,while for dinner there is a chicken shepherds pie. In addition to these and other recipes, the author offers advice, on healthy eating.
I was impressed by the tasty sounding recipes in this book. Even if you don’t subscribe to the 400 calories on a regular basis, you might want to pick up this book on occasion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes a person wants an historical mystery that they can sink into and be entertained by for a few hours. This book and series will appeal to anybody who is looking for that kind of read.
Those who pick this one up will enjoy meeting the detecting two half sisters. They are quite different but complement one another.
Anyone who has read an advice column will also enjoy knowing that Dear Miss Hermione is an important feature of the plot. When a mother writes to Miss H regarding a cult and her child, things are off and running. When there is a poisoning, the plot intensifies. Keep an eye out for Eli Marsh and housekeeper Bunty as the sisters detect.
I recommend this novel. It has twists, humor, heart and good characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur books for this title. All opinions are my own.
